Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI (Looking for suggestions on salvage)
| Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI [message #247369] |
Mon, 14 April 2014 10:44  |
75realsteel
Messages: 26
Registered: December 2012
Location: Chicago
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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While enjoying the first trip of the year - to Muskegon State Park in MI - we were met with disaster as unexpected tornadoes moved into the region and felled a 50 foot white pine - directly on top of us. Fortunately, we only had minor injuries due to the limbs that came down with the tree. But, our '75 Eleganza did not fare so well.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6590-crushing-disaster.html
I've uploaded some pictures here. I'm afraid the vehicle is totaled, but would appreciate any other feedback/advice regarding what we can do with it at this point other than have it towed to the salvage yard.
We unfortunately only had liability coverage on it as we were waiting to complete our rehab before getting it fully assessed - big mistake.
We've salvaged the new refrigerator, oven, awning and batteries, but we lack the means to salvage the generator, engine/trans, new Dave Lenzi knuckles, etc.
We'd definitely appreciate any suggestions for what we can possibly due to salvage anything at this point.
We definitely want to get back on the road someday - and hopefully in something as fine as our beloved '75.
The vehicle still sits at the Muskegon State Park campground as I work out what to do next.
Appreciate any suggestions via this thread or PM -
Kevin
Chicago, IL
'75 Eleganza II
[ IMG ] http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/crushing-disaster/p54246-img-05611.html [ /IMG ]
'77 Kingsley 26 - Chicago, IL
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| Re: [GMCnet] Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI [message #247371 is a reply to message #247369] |
Mon, 14 April 2014 11:16  |
Rob
Messages: 651
Registered: November 2013
Location: Victoria, BC
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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Wow - that's crazy.
But it does look like the GMC fought bravely to save anybody inside! I bet a Winnebago plywood box would have simply collapsed...
I'm sure others will offer info on salvage options.
Rob
Victoria, BC
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
On 2014-04-14, at 8:44 AM, Kevin wrote:
>
>
> While enjoying the first trip of the year - to Muskegon State Park in MI - we were met with disaster as unexpected tornadoes moved into the region and felled a 50 foot white pine - directly on top of us. Fortunately, we only had minor injuries due to the limbs that came down with the tree. But, our '75 Eleganza did not fare so well.
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6590-crushing-disaster.html
>
> I've uploaded some pictures here. I'm afraid the vehicle is totaled, but would appreciate any other feedback/advice regarding what we can do with it at this point other than have it towed to the salvage yard.
> We unfortunately only had liability coverage on it as we were waiting to complete our rehab before getting it fully assessed - big mistake.
>
> We've salvaged the new refrigerator, oven, awning and batteries, but we lack the means to salvage the generator, engine/trans, new Dave Lenzi knuckles, etc.
>
> We'd definitely appreciate any suggestions for what we can possibly due to salvage anything at this point.
> We definitely want to get back on the road someday - and hopefully in something as fine as our beloved '75.
>
> The vehicle still sits at the Muskegon State Park campground as I work out what to do next.
>
> Appreciate any suggestions via this thread or PM -
> Kevin
> Chicago, IL
> '75 Eleganza II
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Rob -
Victoria, BC -
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
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| Re: Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI [message #247373 is a reply to message #247369] |
Mon, 14 April 2014 11:22 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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That is tough deal, and what luck this time of year. I am glad you are both are OK. it could of been worse, and I can't imagine the reaction to that happening.
Hopefully there is someone out in that area, that can maybe allow it to rest in the back 40 for future parts needs.
if anybody lurking, one thing I did to my GMC when I bought it, was put comprehensive insurance on it. it was not that much greater then liability, when you would of otherwise compared to full coverage. I did that just because of the glass/windshields. I figured one cracked window replaced would be about the same cost as a couple years of comprehensive coverage.
I ended up getting some settlement when I squirrel got into my coach and did some damage last year.
wish I could offer more help.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| Re: [GMCnet] Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI [message #247376 is a reply to message #247371] |
Mon, 14 April 2014 11:30 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Ouch! The coach apparently did not collapse the passenger compartment. But, still a total loss.
Need an organized parts retrieval party to get the very valuable parts that are associated with your loss.
Even if you cannot pull the engine/transmission package, at least grab the carb - motorhome specific and only available from other coaches. You might see if the salvage yard will allow you to pull the sub-frame that holds the motor/transmission. This would also save the Dave Lenzi Knuckles. A bit of work, but well worth the effort.
Be nice to grab the Onan, but it's 440 pounds of dead lift. i'm sure that others have suggested items to grab, some easy and others not so easy.
I am very glad that no one was hurt.
Tom, MS II
Too far away to help.
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: [GMCnet] Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI [message #247377 is a reply to message #247376] |
Mon, 14 April 2014 11:36 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Looking again. Awning, seats, seats stands. Appliances.
Lots of little stuff. Should be only a shell going to crusher for the value of the 700 odd pounds of aluminum.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI [message #247379 is a reply to message #247369] |
Mon, 14 April 2014 11:45 |
BRDRVR
Messages: 184
Registered: July 2013
Location: Clearwater, FL-Gerlach,NV
Karma: 8
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Senior Member |
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It hurts to look at those pix. I'm so sorry. I have ideas for you and might even be able to get you into another gmc. Give me a call when the shook wears off.
David
David Gourdine
http//www.blackrockdesertrvrental.com
booking@blackrockdesertrvrental.com
727-657-1955
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| Re: Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI [message #247380 is a reply to message #247369] |
Mon, 14 April 2014 11:45 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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Glad ya didn't get hurt. I hope the Jeep is yet drivable. It's probably worth paying someone to salvage if you can, or have it towed to storage close by, strip it, and then give the junkyard the shell. If it was closer, I'd negotiate the frame front clip and mechanicals with you.
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: [GMCnet] Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI [message #247381 is a reply to message #247369] |
Mon, 14 April 2014 11:47 |
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OMG! Kevin, I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank God you and the family were
spared. The GMC protected you well. I'd hate to see how a lesser motorhome
would have performed.
Yes, I believe salvage is about all you can do with it. Hope you've got
room to store the parts until you can use them in your next GMC.
Maybe someone else wants a chassis to build a project like Randy or Kerry.
It'd be a perfect candidate.
bdub
-----Original Message-----
From: On Behalf Of Kevin
Sent: Monday, April 14, 2014 10:45 AM
Subject: [GMCnet] Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI
While enjoying the first trip of the year - to Muskegon State Park in MI -
we were met with disaster as unexpected tornadoes moved into the region and
felled a 50 foot white pine - directly on top of us. Fortunately, we only
had minor injuries due to the limbs that came down with the tree. But, our
'75 Eleganza did not fare so well.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6590-crushing-disaster.html
I've uploaded some pictures here. I'm afraid the vehicle is totaled, but
would appreciate any other feedback/advice regarding what we can do with it
at this point other than have it towed to the salvage yard.
We unfortunately only had liability coverage on it as we were waiting to
complete our rehab before getting it fully assessed - big mistake.
We've salvaged the new refrigerator, oven, awning and batteries, but we lack
the means to salvage the generator, engine/trans, new Dave Lenzi knuckles,
etc.
We'd definitely appreciate any suggestions for what we can possibly due to
salvage anything at this point.
We definitely want to get back on the road someday - and hopefully in
something as fine as our beloved '75.
The vehicle still sits at the Muskegon State Park campground as I work out
what to do next.
Appreciate any suggestions via this thread or PM - Kevin Chicago, IL
'75 Eleganza II
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bdub
bdub.net
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| Re: [GMCnet] Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI [message #247383 is a reply to message #247369] |
Mon, 14 April 2014 12:03 |
Chuck and Lureen
Messages: 16
Registered: April 2013
Location: West Michigan
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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On 4/14/2014 11:44 AM, Kevin wrote:
>
> While enjoying the first trip of the year - to Muskegon State Park in MI - we were met with disaster as unexpected tornadoes moved into the region and felled a 50 foot white pine - directly on top of us. Fortunately, we only had minor injuries due to the limbs that came down with the tree. But, our '75 Eleganza did not fare so well.
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6590-crushing-disaster.html
>
> I've uploaded some pictures here. I'm afraid the vehicle is totaled, but would appreciate any other feedback/advice regarding what we can do with it at this point other than have it towed to the salvage yard.
> We unfortunately only had liability coverage on it as we were waiting to complete our rehab before getting it fully assessed - big mistake.
>
> We've salvaged the new refrigerator, oven, awning and batteries, but we lack the means to salvage the generator, engine/trans, new Dave Lenzi knuckles, etc.
>
> We'd definitely appreciate any suggestions for what we can possibly due to salvage anything at this point.
> We definitely want to get back on the road someday - and hopefully in something as fine as our beloved '75.
>
> The vehicle still sits at the Muskegon State Park campground as I work out what to do next.
>
> Appreciate any suggestions via this thread or PM -
> Kevin
> Chicago, IL
> '75 Eleganza II
>
> [ IMG ] http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/crushing-disaster/p54246-img-05611.html [ /IMG ]
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Kevin,
We live just up the road, about three miles away. I don't know how we
can help with the storage space, we have only a small lot and already
press our luck by parking our 1975 Glenbrook in our driveway. We would
be glad to help out witha place to stay, food, transportation, etc.
Please give us a call.
Chuck and Lureen Mullally
2925 Scenic Drive
Muskegon, MI 49445
231 744 3812
231 670 5194 mobile
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Chuck and Lureen Mullally
West Michigan
1975 Glenbrook
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| Re: [GMCnet] Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI [message #247384 is a reply to message #247383] |
Mon, 14 April 2014 12:10 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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Sorry Kevin and Family for your losses. But on the bright side, it is
reassuring to see the GMC community awaken from the "Winter of our
Discontent" and rally around to offer aid to you guys. Wish I were closer
to you so I could help out also.
Jim Hupy
Salem, OR
78 GMC Royale 403
On Mon, Apr 14, 2014 at 10:03 AM, Chuck Mullally <chuck@mullally.us> wrote:
> On 4/14/2014 11:44 AM, Kevin wrote:
> >
> > While enjoying the first trip of the year - to Muskegon State Park in MI
> - we were met with disaster as unexpected tornadoes moved into the region
> and felled a 50 foot white pine - directly on top of us. Fortunately, we
> only had minor injuries due to the limbs that came down with the tree.
> But, our '75 Eleganza did not fare so well.
> >
> > http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6590-crushing-disaster.html
> >
> > I've uploaded some pictures here. I'm afraid the vehicle is totaled,
> but would appreciate any other feedback/advice regarding what we can do
> with it at this point other than have it towed to the salvage yard.
> > We unfortunately only had liability coverage on it as we were waiting to
> complete our rehab before getting it fully assessed - big mistake.
> >
> > We've salvaged the new refrigerator, oven, awning and batteries, but we
> lack the means to salvage the generator, engine/trans, new Dave Lenzi
> knuckles, etc.
> >
> > We'd definitely appreciate any suggestions for what we can possibly due
> to salvage anything at this point.
> > We definitely want to get back on the road someday - and hopefully in
> something as fine as our beloved '75.
> >
> > The vehicle still sits at the Muskegon State Park campground as I work
> out what to do next.
> >
> > Appreciate any suggestions via this thread or PM -
> > Kevin
> > Chicago, IL
> > '75 Eleganza II
> >
> > [ IMG ]
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/crushing-disaster/p54246-img-05611.html[ /IMG ]
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> Kevin,
>
> We live just up the road, about three miles away. I don't know how we
> can help with the storage space, we have only a small lot and already
> press our luck by parking our 1975 Glenbrook in our driveway. We would
> be glad to help out witha place to stay, food, transportation, etc.
> Please give us a call.
>
>
> Chuck and Lureen Mullally
>
> 2925 Scenic Drive
>
> Muskegon, MI 49445
>
> 231 744 3812
>
> 231 670 5194 mobile
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI [message #247385 is a reply to message #247383] |
Mon, 14 April 2014 12:13 |
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LIKE
Thank you, Chuck.
bdub
-----Original Message-----
From: On Behalf Of Chuck Mullally
Sent: Monday, April 14, 2014 12:03 PM
Kevin,
We live just up the road, about three miles away. I don't know how we can
help with the storage space, we have only a small lot and already press our
luck by parking our 1975 Glenbrook in our driveway. We would be glad to help
out witha place to stay, food, transportation, etc.
Please give us a call.
Chuck and Lureen Mullally
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
bdub
bdub.net
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| Re: Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI [message #247392 is a reply to message #247369] |
Mon, 14 April 2014 12:49 |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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Senior Member |
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Oh wow! What a shame. Thank God no one was hurt. I agree with others, your basic box would have just turned to scrap with yall in it.
I'm also too far away to help but agree that it looks drivable. I'd THINK that someone would be interested in the running gear at the very least. With the front cap already destroyed, a sawsall, some wire cutters, and about an hour will remove the front subframe complete.
Don't forget the whole rear suspension is desirable also. Pull all that and call a roll back to come get the rest and haul it off.
The roof AC looks undamaged too.
Quite a few folks are looking at these for the frame and running gear to make a car hauler. That's basically what I was looking for when I got my parts coach. I'd have jumped on a chance to get a running and driving coach with a shot body since it was all going away anyway. If you decide you want to get rid of it without the hassle of taking stuff off, you could try Ebay and list 'car hauler' as one of the search items.
Don't forget the whole rear suspension is desirable also. Perhaps you should have a local club party. Strip the coach, get everything you want or can sell then and call a roll back to come get the rest and give them the carcass for hauling it off.
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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| Re: Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI [message #247401 is a reply to message #247369] |
Mon, 14 April 2014 14:36 |
Galen
Messages: 146
Registered: November 2011
Location: New Virginia, IA
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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That's terrible; glad you are ok. Did you buy that in Iowa a couple years ago? I think I recognize some of the upgrades and the air brush mural.
Galen Briggs
New Virginia, Iowa
1978 Palm Beach
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| Re: Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI [message #247411 is a reply to message #247369] |
Mon, 14 April 2014 17:03 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Kevin,
I'm a little late because I was catching up with a 400$ mouse.
Things like this hurt. But friends have lost boats - too. The game now is recovery and it seems you are working that way to the best of your ability. But, You Do Have Friends. You may not have met them all yet, but they are here none the less.
While I'm sure your carrier will want to write it off, (actually, if all you have is liability - they can't) but whatever, keep the title. I wish we had a better picture of the roof, because what I am seeing is completely recoverable. I'm not saying it will be easy, but it might be easier than finding another in comparable condition to the "before".
It happens I have a coach in my back yard (it does not belong to me) but it might be scrapped. We have not yet had the opportunity to asses the frame. There are lots of coaches around in functionally worse shape than yours presently is.
If I were in your position (thankfully not - this time), I would be thinking "Damage Control". Try to arrange to get the coach to somewhere it can stay* and cover it to prevent any future water damage.
If, after you have had a some knowledgeable people survey the coach, it does come out that salvage is simply impractical, then come back here. I, for one (that one being the current president of GMC Eastern States), believe that we could organize a weekend of disassemble and such that would make your situation much more manageable.
Now, lastly but this will be important next year, keep a file with all the direct expenses. This is a casualty loss and a large portion of the attributable expenses may be deductible. So, throw everything in the box, travel, meals, tools and make the government sort it out.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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